ALMOST 50 Alvechurch houses entered a special competition to decorate their house in honour of VE Day last week - and here are the pick of the bunch.

The Weston family's effort won the top prize of £50, which they have donated to armed forces charity Help for Heroes.

Their display was put together in honour of father Roy, who died last year from leukaemia, aged 80, and features his wartime gas mask and warden hat.

They said: "Mum and dad loved going to all the 1940s events around the UK and the outfits we were wearing (on the day) were theirs.

"We were very pleased we won first place and we are donating the money to Help for Heroes.

"It was a lovely day and great to see the community come together and celebrate 75 years of victory and remember the sacrifice of the soldiers who fought for this country."

Second place in the competition, run by Alvechurch Picnic in the Park, went to the Cain family.

Youngsters Izzy and Elsie learned to use the sewing machine to help put together the entry and made bunting from their old clothes.

Competition organiser Sarah Courbet was delighted with the number of entries.

She said: "The village was very busy all day with people taking their exercise and taking in the wonderful decorations.

"It was wonderful to see and be part of; although I was a bit sad we couldn't hold our annual Picnic in the Park."